Integrated Circuit Topographies
Highlights
This program is designed to help your business protect its unique integrated circuit designs. By registering your integrated circuit topographies, you gain exclusive rights to your designs. This means no one else can reproduce or commercially exploit your work without your permission. This protection can last up to ten years, giving you a significant competitive edge.
You can use the grant for various activities, such as:
- Creating and developing innovative three-dimensional circuit designs.
- Preparing and submitting application forms to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
- Compiling and submitting overlay sheets, drawings, or photographs of your designs.
- Marking your integrated circuit products with corresponding registered titles.
There are no conditions attached to the grant, and you can apply anytime. This program is a great way to secure your intellectual property and ensure your business stays ahead in the market. The process is straightforward, and the benefits are substantial, making it easier for you to focus on innovation and growth.
Financing Details
Grant: This program offers a non-repayable grant to cover specific costs associated with the registration of integrated circuit topographies.
Eligible Expenses:
- Registration fees for the Integrated Circuit Topography.
- Legal fees related to the registration process.
- Costs associated with preparing and filing the application form.
Non-Eligible Uses of Funds: The funds cannot be used for operational expenses, marketing, or costs not directly related to the registration of the integrated circuit topographies.
Fees:
- A filing fee of $200 (Canadian funds) is required when submitting the application.
- Additional fees may apply for services related to changes in the registration or other administrative processes.
Qualifications
- The creator of the topography must be a national of Canada, a national of a country recognized by Canada by convention or treaty that affords protection for topographies, or a national of a country certified by notice published in the Canada Gazette.
- The creator must have, at the time of creation or at the time of filing, a real and effective establishment for the creation of topographies or the manufacture of integrated circuit products in Canada or a country that is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) or has a reciprocal agreement with Canada.
- The topography must be first commercially exploited in Canada, and the application must be filed within two years thereafter.
- The topography must not exceed the two-year limit for applying if it has been commercially exploited.
- Companies where the creator is a national of Canada.
- Companies where the creator is a national of a country that has a convention or treaty with Canada for the protection of topographies.
- Companies where the creator is a national of a country certified by the Minister of Industry Canada by a notice published in the Canada Gazette.
- Companies where the creator has a real and effective establishment for the creation of topographies or the manufacture of integrated circuit products in Canada.
- Companies where the topography was first commercially exploited in Canada.
- Companies where the creator is a national of a country that is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Companies where the creator is a national of a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Canada.
Description
This program helps your business protect its unique integrated circuit designs. By registering your integrated circuit topographies, you gain exclusive rights to your designs. This means no one else can reproduce or commercially exploit your work without your permission.
You can use the grant for various activities, such as:
- Creating and developing innovative three-dimensional circuit designs.
- Preparing and submitting application forms to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
- Compiling and submitting overlay sheets, drawings, or photographs of your designs.
- Marking your integrated circuit products with corresponding registered titles.
There are no conditions attached to the grant, and you can apply anytime. The protection lasts for up to ten years from the filing date or the first commercial exploitation, whichever comes first. This program is a great way to secure your intellectual property and ensure your business stays ahead in the market.
Program Steps
Consult the Guide
Review the Guide to Integrated Circuit Topographies to understand the registration process.Contact CIPO
Reach out to the Client Service Centre of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) to obtain the ICT application form.Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application form with the following information:- Applicant’s name and address
- Title(s) of the topography
- Description of the nature or function of the topography
- Indication of the applicant’s interest (creator or successor in title)
- Information on commercial exploitation (if applicable)
- Details of the material filed and other relevant information
- Agent’s name and address (if applicable)
- Representative for service in Canada (if no Canadian address)
- Signature and date from the applicant or the applicant’s agent
Prepare Required Documentation
Gather and prepare the following documents:- Overlay sheets
- Drawings or photographs of the topography
Submit the Application
Send the completed application form along with the required materials to CIPO.File Within the Time Limit
Ensure that your application is submitted within two years of the first commercial exploitation of the topography, if applicable.Pay the Filing Fee
Pay the filing fee of $200 (Canadian funds) to complete your application.
